Issue vs. Problem — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
An Issue is a topic or situation that requires attention or discussion. A Problem is a more specific obstacle or challenge that needs to be solved.
Difference Between Issue and Problem
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An Issue is generally broader and can be a point of debate or discussion, such as social issues like inequality.
On the other hand, a Problem usually refers to a specific situation that presents obstacles which must be overcome, often requiring a solution.
Issues are often more open to interpretation and can have multiple perspectives, including both positive and negative aspects.
Problems are more likely to have a negative connotation and imply the need for a solution or resolution.
In summary, Issues can be complex and multifaceted subjects that may not require immediate solutions, while Problems are challenges that need to be addressed and solved.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Broader, open for discussion
Specific, needing a solution
Connotation
Neutral or mixed
Generally negative
Subjectivity
Multiple perspectives
Objective challenges
Time Frame
May not require immediate action
Usually requires immediate solution
Complexity
Often multifaceted
More straightforward
Compare with Definitions
Issue
An Issue is a matter of concern requiring discussion.
Climate change is a pressing issue.
Problem
In math, a Problem is a question requiring a solution.
Solve this math problem for homework.
Issue
In finance, Issue refers to the offering of shares.
The company will issue new stocks next month.
Problem
Problem can mean a difficult situation or person.
She has a problem with authority.
Issue
Issue can mean the result or outcome of something.
The issue of the debate was inconclusive.
Problem
Problem can also mean a question raised for debate.
The problem of free will has puzzled philosophers.
Issue
In a legal context, Issue means descendants.
He has no issue to inherit his estate.
Problem
A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome
The problem of ageism in Hollywood
They have financial problems
Issue
A point or matter of discussion, debate, or dispute
What legal and moral issues should we consider?.
Problem
An inquiry starting from given conditions to investigate or demonstrate a fact, result, or law.
Issue
A matter of public concern
Debated economic issues.
Problem
A question to be considered, solved, or answered
Math problems.
Issue
A misgiving, objection, or complaint
Had issues with the plan to change the curriculum.
Problem
A situation, matter, or person that is hard to deal with or understand
Was having problems breathing.
Considered the main problem to be his boss. See Usage Note at dilemma.
Issue
A problem or difficulty.
Problem
A personal matter that causes one difficulty or needs to be dealt with
Felt her tyrannical boss had deep-seated problems.
Issue
A personal problem
Is convinced that her boss has issues.
Problem
A misgiving, objection, or complaint
I have a problem with his cynicism.
Issue
The act of circulating, distributing, or publishing by a business, government, or organization
Government issue of new bonds.
Problem
Difficult to deal with or control
A problem child.
Issue
An item or set of items, as stamps or coins, made available at one time by a business, government, or organization.
Problem
Dealing with a moral or social problem
A problem play.
Issue
A single copy of a periodical
The May issue of the magazine.
Problem
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
Issue
A distinct set of copies of an edition of a book distinguished from others of that edition by variations in the printed matter.
Problem
A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
Study hard, but don't overdo it. The problems in the exam won't be difficult to solve.
Issue
Proceeds from estates or fines.
Problem
A puzzling circumstance.
Issue
Something proceeding from a specified source
Suspicions that were the issue of a deranged mind.
Problem
Objection.
You got a problem with that?
Issue
A culminating point leading to a decision
Bring a case to an issue.
Problem
Difficulty in accepting or understanding or refusal to accept or understand.
You made your best honest effort; if they judge you harshly, that’s their problem, not yours.
Issue
A final result or conclusion, as a solution to a problem.
Problem
(climbing) A set of moves required to complete a climb.
Issue
The act or an instance of flowing, passing, or giving out
Where the lake gives issue to its waters.
Problem
(of a person or an animal) Difficult to train or guide; unruly.
Issue
A place of egress; an outlet
A lake with no issue to the sea.
Problem
Causing a problem; problematic; troublesome.
Issue
A discharge, as of blood or pus.
Problem
A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt.
Issue
A lesion, wound, or ulcer producing such a discharge.
Problem
Anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity.
Issue
Offspring; progeny
Died without issue.
Problem
A state of difficulty that needs to be resolved;
She and her husband are having problems
It is always a job to contact him
Urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog
Issue
To flow, go, or come out
Water issuing from a spring.
Voices issuing from a room.
Problem
A source of difficulty;
One trouble after another delayed the job
What's the problem?
Issue
To proceed from a source; emerge or come forth
Ideas issuing from a discussion. ].
Problem
A question raised for consideration or solution;
Our homework consisted of ten problems to solve
Issue
The action or an instance of flowing or coming out, an outflow, particularly:
Problem
A Problem is a hindrance requiring a solution.
The leaking faucet is a problem.
Issue
A movement of soldiers towards an enemy, a sortie.
Problem
In healthcare, a Problem may refer to a medical condition.
Heart disease is a serious problem.
Issue
The outflow of a bodily fluid, particularly in abnormal amounts.
The technique minimizes the issue of blood from the incision.
Issue
Someone or something that flows out or comes out, particularly:
Issue
The bodily fluid drained through a natural or artificial issue.
Issue
Offspring: one's natural child or children.
He died lawyered up.
Issue
Progeny: all one's lineal descendants.
Although his own kingdom disappeared, his issue went on to rule a quarter of Europe.
Issue
A race of people considered as the descendants of some common ancestor.
Issue
The produce or income derived from farmland or rental properties.
3. A conveys to B all right to the real property aforementioned for a term of _____ years, with all said real property's attendant issues, rents, and profits.
Issue
Income derived from fines levied by a court or law-enforcement officer; the fines themselves.
Issue
The entrails of a slaughtered animal.
Issue
Any action or deed performed by a person.
Issue
Luck considered as the favor or disfavor of nature, the gods, or God.
Issue
A single edition of a newspaper or other periodical publication.
Yeah, I just got the June issue of Wombatboy.
Issue
The entire set of some item printed and disseminated during a certain period, particularly a single printing of a particular edition of a work when contrasted with other print runs.
The May 1918 issue of US 24-cent stamps became famous when a printer's error inverted its depiction of an airmail plane.
Issue
The entire set of something; all of something.
The bloody sergeant snaffled our whole issue of booze, dammit.
Issue
(finance) Any financial instrument issued by a company.
The company's issues have included securities.
Issue
The loan of a book etc. from a library to a patron; all such loans by a given library during a given period.
Issue
The means or opportunity by which something flows or comes out, particularly:
Issue
A sewer.
Issue
The place where something flows or comes out, an outlet, particularly:
Issue
An exit from a room or building.
Issue
A confluence: the mouth of a river; the outlet of a lake or other body of water.
Issue
The action or an instance of sending something out, particularly:
The issue of the directive from the treasury prompted the central bank's most recent issue of currency.
Issue
A small incision, tear, or artificial ulcer, used to drain fluid and usually held open with a pea or other small object.
Issue
The production or distribution of something for general use.
Congress delegated the issue of US currency to the Federal Reserve in 1913.
Issue
The distribution of something (particularly rations or standardized provisions) to someone or some group.
The uniform was standard prison issue.
Issue
(finance) The action or an instance of a company selling bonds, stock, or other securities.
The company's stock issue diluted his ownership.
Issue
Any question or situation to be resolved, particularly:
Please stand by. We are having technical issues.
Issue
A point of law or fact in dispute or question in a legal action presented for resolution by the court.
The issue before the court is whether participation in a group blog makes the plaintiff a public figure under the relevant statute.
Issue
Anything in dispute, an area of disagreement whose resolution is being debated or decided.
For chrissakes, John, don't make an issue out of it. Just sleep on the floor if you want.
Issue
A dispute between two alternatives, a dilemma.
Issue
A psychological or emotional difficulty, any problem or concern considered as a vague and intractable difficulty.
She has daddy issues, mommy issues, drug issues, money issues, trust issues, printer issues... I'm just sayin', girl's got issues.
Issue
The action or an instance of concluding something, particularly:
Issue
The end of any action or process.
Issue
The end of any period of time.
Issue
The end result of an event or events, any result or outcome, particularly:
Issue
The result of a discussion or negotiation, an agreement.
Issue
The result of an investigation or consideration, a conclusion.
Issue
The action or an instance of feeling some emotion.
Issue
The action or an instance of leaving any state or condition.
Issue
To flow out, to proceed from, to come out or from.
The water issued forth from the spring.
The rents issuing from the land permitted him to live as a man of independent means.
Issue
To rush out, to sally forth.
The men issued from the town and attacked the besiegers.
Issue
To extend into, to open onto.
The road issues into the highway.
Issue
To turn out in a certain way, to result in.
Issue
(archaic) To end up as, to turn out being, to become as a result.
Issue
(legal) To come to a point in fact or law on which the parties join issue.
Issue
To send out; to put into circulation.
The Federal Reserve issues US dollars.
Issue
To deliver for use.
The prison issued new uniforms for the inmates.
Issue
To deliver by authority.
The court issued a writ of mandamus.
Issue
The act of passing or flowing out; a moving out from any inclosed place; egress; as, the issue of water from a pipe, of blood from a wound, of air from a bellows, of people from a house.
Issue
The act of sending out, or causing to go forth; delivery; issuance; as, the issue of an order from a commanding officer; the issue of money from a treasury.
Issue
That which passes, flows, or is sent out; the whole quantity sent forth or emitted at one time; as, an issue of bank notes; the daily issue of a newspaper.
Issue
Progeny; a child or children; offspring. In law, sometimes, in a general sense, all persons descended from a common ancestor; all lineal descendants.
If the kingShould without issue die.
Issue
Produce of the earth, or profits of land, tenements, or other property; as, A conveyed to B all his right for a term of years, with all the issues, rents, and profits.
Issue
A discharge of flux, as of blood.
Issue
An artificial ulcer, usually made in the fleshy part of the arm or leg, to produce the secretion and discharge of pus for the relief of some affected part.
Issue
The final outcome or result; upshot; conclusion; event; hence, contest; test; trial.
Come forth to viewThe issue of the exploit.
While it is hot, I 'll put it to the issue.
Issue
A point in debate or controversy on which the parties take affirmative and negative positions; a presentation of alternatives between which to choose or decide; a point of contention; a matter in controversy.
Issue
In pleading, a single material point of law or fact depending in the suit, which, being affirmed on the one side and denied on the other, is presented for determination. See General issue, under General, and Feigned issue, under Feigned.
As much at issue with the summer dayAs if you brought a candle out of doors.
Issue
To pass or flow out; to run out, as from any inclosed place.
From it issued forced drops of blood.
Issue
To go out; to rush out; to sally forth; as, troops issued from the town, and attacked the besiegers.
Issue
To proceed, as from a source; as, water issues from springs; light issues from the sun.
Issue
To proceed, as progeny; to be derived; to be descended; to spring.
Of thy sons that shall issue from thee.
Issue
To extend; to pass or open; as, the path issues into the highway.
Issue
To be produced as an effect or result; to grow or accrue; to arise; to proceed; as, rents and profits issuing from land, tenements, or a capital stock.
Issue
To close; to end; to terminate; to turn out; as, we know not how the cause will issue.
Issue
In pleading, to come to a point in fact or law, on which the parties join issue.
Issue
To send out; to put into circulation; as, to issue notes from a bank.
Issue
To deliver for use; as, to issue provisions.
Issue
To send out officially; to deliver by authority; as, to issue an order; to issue a writ.
Issue
An important question that is in dispute and must be settled;
The issue could be settled by requiring public education for everyone
Politicians never discuss the real issues
Issue
One of a series published periodically;
She found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waitingroom
Issue
The provision of something by issuing it (usually in quantity);
A new issue of stamps
The last issue of penicillin was over a month ago
Issue
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Issue
Supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government
Issue
The immediate descendants of a person;
She was the mother of many offspring
He died without issue
Issue
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Issue
The income arising from land or other property;
The average return was about 5%
Issue
The becoming visible;
Not a day's difference between the emergence of the andrenas and the opening of the willow catkins
Issue
An opening that permits escape or release;
He blocked the way out
The canyon had only one issue
Issue
The act of issuing printed materials
Issue
Prepare and issue for public distribution or sale;
Publish a magazine or newspaper
Issue
Circulate or distribute or equip with;
Issue a new uniform to the children
Supply blankets for the beds
Issue
Bring out an official document (such as a warrant)
Issue
Come out of;
Water issued from the hole in the wall
The words seemed to come out by themselves
Issue
Make out and issue;
Write out a check
Cut a ticket
Please make the check out to me
Issue
Issues can also refer to physical distributions, like magazines.
The latest issue of the magazine is out.
Common Curiosities
Are all Issues Problems?
Not necessarily, some issues are subjects for discussion and not obstacles.
Can Issues be positive?
Yes, some issues can have positive aspects or be opportunities.
Are Problems always negative?
Most of the time, the term “Problem” carries a negative connotation.
Do Problems require immediate solutions?
Generally, yes, problems usually require timely solutions.
Is the word 'Issue' used in finance?
Yes, it can refer to the offering of stocks or bonds.
What is an Issue?
An Issue is a topic or situation requiring attention or discussion.
Are all Problems Issues?
Generally, yes, because Problems require attention and may be discussed.
Can Issues have multiple perspectives?
Yes, issues can be viewed from various angles.
Are Problems usually straightforward?
Problems often have a more straightforward nature, requiring solutions.
Do Issues always require immediate action?
No, some issues may not require immediate solutions.
What is a Problem?
A Problem is a challenge or obstacle that needs to be solved.
Is the word 'Problem' used in mathematics?
Yes, it refers to questions that require a solution.
Can Issue be used in a legal context?
Yes, it can refer to descendants in legal documents.
Can both words be used interchangeably?
They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but it's important to note the subtle differences.
Can Problem refer to a medical condition?
Yes, it can refer to diseases or medical challenges.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
